Prince Shu's Residence
The incense table was set up in the main courtyard, and a steward pointed into the distance. "The imperial decree has arrived!"
When Prince Shu looked, he indeed saw an ox cart driving over not far from the main gate. The ox cart was not luxurious or ostentatious, and it was only followed by two saber-wielding guards and two eunuchs. Prince Shu froze for a moment and ordered, "Open the middle gates to welcome it!"
In an instant the gates flew open, and drum and wind music struck up. Amidst the music, the ox cart slowly came to a halt. Already a guard lifted the cart curtain, and a eunuch stepped down.
This man was merely a sixth-rank eunuch. He walked straight toward Prince Shu, waved a hand to signal the attendants on either side to stand back, and with a stern face strode up to the position of honor facing south and stood still. Giving a light cough, he said, "There is a decree!"
Prince Shu bowed low. "Your subject kinsman respectfully inquires after the emperor's well-being!"
"The emperor's person is well." The eunuch's expression was indifferent. Standing before the crowd of kneeling people, he proclaimed the verbal decree: "The imperial decree states that those rumors are not only shocking, but further rebellious and treasonous. Prince Shu failed to strictly govern his household, and he is to be temporarily placed under house arrest!"
The wording of this verbal decree was harsh. Although the content was brief, every single sentence struck at the heart.
After finishing the verbal decree, the eunuch did not flash a smiling face at Prince Shu as he usually did. Instead, with a completely solemn expression, he gazed at Prince Shu, who was slowly rising to his feet, and spoke up: "Over these